EDITORIAL: Gigaba is blind to tourism riches
Why does home affairs minister Malusi Gigaba insist on remaining blind to the huge economic potential of tourism?
Why does home affairs minister Malusi Gigaba insist on remaining blind to the huge economic potential of tourism?Unlike mining, tourism is not a wasting asset. Indeed, it should be mushrooming. No other country in the world can offer the Kruger National Park and the big five; wine routes and the Garden Route; the Karoo semi-desert and Namaqualand; the Drakensberg and Table Mountain; and some of the best beaches and golf courses in the world.We have a weak currency that makes it cheaper for visitors to stay here in lodges and hotels than to remain at home.President Cyril Ramaphosa clearly gets it. In his state of the nation address in February, he spoke of "incredible opportunities" in tourism and has made similar comments since.Yet Gigaba responded by doing little more than tinkering with the ridiculous visa requirements that have done so much damage. Is he too proud to admit error? Or just trying to show that Ramaphosa can’t tell him what to do?It is no use talking about new priori...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.